Indian Institute of Technology Madras has been selected by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, to advance women in STEM (Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics).  Called GATI or ‘Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions initiative,’ it seeks to develop and implement policies and address issues in a systematic and timely manner.

IIT Madras is keen to contribute to DST’s vision to develop the country’s first National Assessment and Accreditation Model for S&T institutions, which is based on gender-sensitive practices. The Institute is proud to be selected as one of the 30 pilot institutions that will implement this quantitative methodology, to surface the specific gender-based issues. 

The DST partnered with British Educational Institutions to develop GATI, which aims to bring about tangible and positive changes in terms of the improvement of gender ratios. A Gender Equity Charter has also been developed for an India-specific context. Dr Pratibha Jolly, former Principal, Miranda House, Delhi, and her team have developed a methodology for evaluation and assessment of the institutional gender climate, with a uniquely Indian look. 

The plans for the immediate future include:

• Seminar series – storytelling from women leaders from various spheres
• Upskilling activities – career advancement and networking workshops for staff
• Support for women research scholars – to enhance mobility and opportunitie
• Community outreach activities – to spread the love of STEM in young women 
• Collaborations – programmes for women faculty for international mobility